Have your say: A new outline masterplan for the Animal and Plant Health Agency site on Woodham Lane, New Haw

Closed 28 Jun 2023

Opened 5 Jun 2023

Contact

localengagement@defra.gov.uk

Results updated 18 Mar 2024

We asked you about a new Master Outline Planning Application for the world-leading Animal and Plant Health Agency’s (APHA) site off Woodham Lane, New Haw. The proposals represent a significant Government investment and will safeguard and enhance the UK’s main facility protecting animal health and welfare. Over 1,000 people work at APHA’s site in New Haw which underpins our economy with billions of pounds of trade, whilst protecting public health and the welfare of animals.

Comments received at engagement were largely positive toward the redevelopment of the Site. Some key concerns were raised, such as noise and light pollution during construction, but stakeholders were generally supportive of plans to redevelop the Site.

The responses were used to inform the Statement of Community involvement which can be viewed in the documents below. The planning application is now available to view on the Runnymede Borough Council website by visiting Online Standard Details (runnymede.gov.uk).

Files:

Overview

A new Master Outline Planning Application is being prepared for the world-leading Animal and Plant Health Agency’s (APHA) site off Woodham Lane, New Haw. This represents a significant Government investment and will safeguard and enhance the UK’s main facility protecting animal health and welfare. Over 1,000 people work at APHA’s site in New Haw which underpins our economy with billions of pounds of trade, whilst protecting public health and the welfare of animals.  The Science Capability in Animal Health (SCAH) Programme is a 12-15 year project with most of the building work taking place from 2027 to 2032.     

Our plans will deliver a wide range of benefits to the local community around our New Haw site.  These include:  

  • Local employment:  APHA is a large local employer, and this investment will ensure that we continue to thrive, creating employment opportunities for local people such as scientists, engineers, administrators, technicians, project managers, vets, managers and students  

  • Economic benefits:  In addition to underpinning £12bn of annual trade, we estimate that the APHA site contributes significantly to the local economy 

  • Community facilities:  Defra has supported a large area of nearby land and buildings that we are no longer using, to be used by the Holme Farm Community Workshop and Gardens. (Since becoming a charity in 2022, Holme Farm has been working to become a hub for local people with workshops, gardens and wildlife areas). 

  • Flood management: Our plans include work to improve flood management along the River Bourne. 

  • Enhanced biodiversity:  The improved landscape will increase habitat across the site and surrounding areas attracting wildlife and increasing biodiversity 

  • Sustainability:  We are committed to embedding sustainability into building design and all our construction activities  

  • Education:  We will continue to work closely with local schools to ensure local children benefit from career opportunities and apprenticeships at APHA   

  • Open and transparent:  We will work closely with the local community at all stages of this project, keeping you informed and listening to your views 

  • We will be holding a three-week online consultation from 5 June to 23 June 2023 ahead of submitting an outline planning application.

Further information on the plans is available under the 'Related' header below, including Public Consultation Posters.

Events

  • Drop in event

    From 8 Jun 2023 at 16:00 to 8 Jun 2023 at 19:00

    We will be holding some ‘drop in’ events at New Haw Community Centre on Woodham Lane where you can see more of the plans and talk to the team leading the project. Register your place at https://APHAmasterplanevent.eventbrite.com.

    Add to my Calendar (.ics)

  • Drop in event

    From 15 Jun 2023 at 17:00 to 15 Jun 2023 at 20:00

    We will be holding some ‘drop in’ events at New Haw Community Centre on Woodham Lane where you can see more of the plans and talk to the team leading the project. Register your place at https://APHAmasterplanevent.eventbrite.com.

    Add to my Calendar (.ics)

  • Drop in event

    From 22 Jun 2023 at 16:00 to 22 Jun 2023 at 19:00

    We will be holding some ‘drop in’ events at New Haw Community Centre on Woodham Lane where you can see more of the plans and talk to the team leading the project. Register your place at https://APHAmasterplanevent.eventbrite.com.

    Add to my Calendar (.ics)

Audiences

  • Households
  • Stakeholders

Interests

  • Science